Glass models of tiny aquatic creatures made in the late 19th century, discovered gathering dust in a drawer in a Wisconsin museum. More here and here.

Hail to the chief! Who's watching the inauguration right now? If you don't already know, CNN has live streaming video. Here is the transcript of Obama's inauguration speech. more inside

Two men were found alive, floating in an Esky in the Torres Strait. They had been there for about 25 days, after their boat sank a couple of days before Christmas. Eskies - don't leave home without them.

Objects of Desire. The art of Alex Sandwell Kliszynski. [Possibly NSFW, via grinding.be]

Today is Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday. The day has already been marked in traditional manner by the appearance of three red roses and half a bottle of cognac on the great man's grave, courtesy of the mysterious Poe Toaster. To celebrate, you could check out this excellent slideshow of his works and letters done by the New York Times; or check out his complete works on this site, complete with handy list of unusual words. more inside

DRUM SOLO - well, not really, but it might as well be. SLYT, sorry.

The natural order of things. "Matt Ridley says that Darwinian selection explains the appearance of seemingly ‘designed’ complexity throughout the world — not just in biology but in the economy, technology and the arts." [Via]

Exclusive Exclusivity -- Non-American non-Royals need not apply. Apparently for people who think American Express' "Black Card" is not exclusive enough. more inside

The wonder of a Woolly Monkey.

Best and worst movies of 2008 ... more inside

Our world may be a giant hologram.

Curious Sideshow George I'm looking for information about old-fashioned circuses, carnivals and traveling shows. more inside

“There’s only three things I’ve ever been afraid of: electricity, heights, and women.” (video)

Patrick McGoohan's number has been retired. One of my favorite actors of all time has passed away at the age of 80.

Typewriter ribbon tins are now collectibles. via lovelypackage

Czech Traditional Puppets as presented (in Flash) by the National Museum of Taiwan.

Ricardo Montalban has died. As well as being Capt. Kirk's nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, in a classic Trek episode and the movie The Wrath of Khan, he was known for playing the tall guy who ordered Tattoo around on Fantasy Island. He will be swaddled in rich, Cordovan leather for his burial, provided by Chrysler.

One to keep an eye on opening in two days or so -- whatever it may be. Looks like a Flash-based "Decorate the Oval Office" game by Ikea.

Entropa is causing some commotion. The supposedly collaborative piece has been installed in the headquarters of the European Council of Ministers in Brussels. Bulgaria complained about its depiction as a toilet, prompting Czech artist David Cerny to admit that it's a big hoax. more inside

Book Is Rallying Resistance to the Antivaccine Crusade. "Paul A. Offit sees a fiery debate on autism as being hijacked by vaccine opponents peddling false hope."